Whether you’re a die-hard gearhead, nostalgic for the muscle cars of your youth, or love American history on four wheels, the U.S. is home to some outstanding car museums that deserve a spot on your travel list. From the evolution of the automobile to rare classics and modern supercars, these museums showcase some of the most extraordinary automobiles across the decades. Here’s a round-up of must-see top car museums in the U.S. that go beyond chrome and horsepower—they tell the story of American innovation and culture.
Table of Contents
1. Studebaker National Museum – South Bend, Indiana
If you love vintage Americana, the Studebaker National Museum is a must. Located in the birthplace and hometown of Studebaker Corporation, this museum preserves and showcases a remarkable collection of vehicles produced by the iconic American manufacturer. It begins with the Studebaker-made wagons in the 1850s before evolving into an innovative car brand.
Highlights include military vehicles, restored vintage automobiles, state-of-the-art sets, and classic Studebaker sedans from the golden age of motoring. It’s also home to the only surviving 1934 Bendix SWC, a futuristic car decades ahead of its time.
Fun Fact: The collection includes Abraham Lincoln’s horse-drawn carriage and several vehicles used by U.S. presidents.
For those of you who follow the prestigious USA Today 10Best Reader’s Choice awards, this museum has been nominated and awarded a spot on the Top 10Best Car Museum list in the past. I am on the nomination committee, and each of the museums listed below is more than worthy of being on that list.
2. National Automobile Museum – Reno, Nevada
Often called one of the best car museums in the country, Reno’s National Automobile Museum offers over 200 incredible vehicles presented in immersive street scenes that mimic different decades. You’ll walk through time with cars from the 1890s to the 1980s.
From horseless carriages and one-of-a-kind prototypes to Elvis Presley’s 1973 Cadillac Eldorado and Frank Sinatra’s Ghia, it’s a journey through time you won’t forget.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the 1907 Thomas Flyer that won the New York to Paris Race—one of the most epic road races in history.
3. Midwest Dream Car Collection – Manhattan, Kansas
The Midwest Dream Car Collection in Manhattan (the Little Apple), Kansas, is a sleek, modern museum featuring around 70 vehicles ranging from early 1900s models to modern supercars and muscle cars. Standouts include a DeLorean DMC-12, Dodge Vipers, and Lamborghinis.
The collection rotates and has many celebrity cars. On my visit, some included Sonny and Cher’s 1966 Barris “Kustom” Ford Mustang convertibles, a Motley Crue car, and Mario Andretti’s 2014 Lamborghini Aventador.
Standout Feature: The rotating exhibits and interactive displays appeal to collectors and curious travelers passing through the Midwest.
4. Route 66 Car Museum – Springfield, Missouri
If you’re road-tripping the Mother Road (Route 66), this museum of the same name in Springfield is a must. Route 66 Car Museum houses a diverse collection of 80+ classic, luxury, vintage, and celebrity vehicles, from vintage Rolls-Royces to the Batmobile. It represents both American and European brands and celebrates the spirit of the open road with a local collector’s personal flair.
The 1936 Horch 853, one of the rarest cars in the U.S., was also used in the blockbuster film The Great Gatsby and should not be missed. The collection also includes many other celebrity automobiles.
5. Liberace Garage and Hollywood Cars Museum – Las Vegas, Nevada
For a dazzling fusion of automotive history and showbiz flair, the Liberace Garage in Las Vegas is a must-visit. Within the Hollywood Cars Museum is the flamboyant entertainer’s collection of custom vehicles, each reflecting his extravagant style. Highlights include mirrored Rolls-Royces, a rhinestone-encrusted Excalibur, and a gold-flake Bradley GT adorned with candelabra emblems.
Visitors can also view Liberace’s iconic rhinestone Baldwin piano and stage costumes, offering a glimpse into his larger-than-life persona. The Liberace Garage provides a unique experience that blends automotive innovation with the glitz of classic Las Vegas entertainment.
There are also dozens of other cars on display, including many from Hollywood movies and TV shows, like Herbie the Love Bug, K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider, General Lee, Back to the Future Delorean, and Starsky & Hutch Gran Torino.
6. The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation – Dearborn, Michigan
One of the most iconic museums in the U.S., the Henry Ford is much more than a car museum—it’s an experience. Explore the evolution of the automobile alongside historical innovations like the Wright Brothers’ workshop, an 1896 Quadricycle, presidential limousines, and Rosa Parks’ bus. You can even ride in a Model T in the adjacent Greenfield Village.
You’ll leave with a deep appreciation for how automobiles shaped American life. Car fans will love seeing the very first Ford vehicle and early assembly line innovations.
7. Auto World Museum – Fulton, Missouri
This lesser-known gem in central Missouri offers a beautifully curated display of over 80 vehicles from the early 1900s to the present. It includes treasures such as a 1903 Cadillac and flashy DeLorean, brass-era roadsters, and even quirky microcars.
Auto World Museum focuses on how cars evolved through the decades, offering themed exhibits and rotating collections with period-appropriate scenery and award-winning backdrops. A fun fact is that Auto World once housed a 1919 Pierce-Arrow used by President Woodrow Wilson.
Why Visit: This museum has an excellent collection and no crowds. It is perfect for families and casual enthusiasts who enjoy a relaxed, educational setting.
8. Elliott Museum – Stuart, Florida
The Elliott Museum blends history, art, and innovation on Florida’s Treasure Coast. While it’s not exclusively a car museum, its extensive antique car collection (with a multi-level robotic racking system!) is a true showstopper. Visitors can select a car to view, which is automatically brought down for a closer look—think vending machine, but for vintage vehicles.
The Elliott’s collection spans over a century, with rare models, motorbikes, and antique bicycles.
Fun Fact: The museum also features rare baseball memorabilia and rotating art exhibitions.
Final Thoughts
Car museums in the U.S. are about more than just engines and chrome—they’re places where you can touch the past, see how far we’ve come, and marvel at the creativity and craftsmanship that defined generations. Whether you’re planning a road trip or love a good history lesson on wheels, these must-see museums offer something for everyone.
More blog posts with excellent museums:
Mississippi’s Children’s Museums
Gone With the Wind Museum (and other Atlanta Adjacent Faves)